Living LIVE 03.16.09: The 13th Edition

Posted by Trace Aber on 03.16.2009

13 may generally be an unlucky number, but almost every game this week is good! As if that wasn't enough, this is also the only column that features virtual Jeff Foxworthy!



Opening Comments
New section this week that will occur when need be. This week just happens to be one of them.

Rod Oracheski doesn't seem too happy about my review of the Watchmen game that came out last week and had this to say;

I don't understand people who expected more from a beat-em-up. Streets of Rage, Double Dragon - they were all just as mindless. That's kind of the point...

While I do agree with you that the beat 'em up classics of the day were all mindless fun, but the difference is they were made over twenty years ago. Back then, games were not expected to have the same depth that we come to know and love now. Sure, I still consider Streets of Rage 2 to be one of the best beat 'em ups there is, but if it were to be released today I wouldn't give it a second look if it were $20. If I am paying $20 for a video game I am, for the most part, expecting something more than just mindless kicking and punching. I am not saying Watchmen was a terrible game, but it wasn't all that great either. If it were to be released a few years back, then, yeah, it would have seen more love from me. It came out in 2009, however, and I expected more, especially with the Watchmen name behind it.

Also, some of you may recall I reviewed a game called Valhyre back in January. It was a community game that I had high hopes for but also featured some critical problems. Well, I received an e-mail from the Donald Teal, President of Duck's Den Productions Inc, makers of the game. He wanted to let me know that various changes have been made to the game that addressed some of the problems I stated as well as ones that other fans of the game recommended, and the full list of changes can be found below;

-Added function to read gamertag profile option of Y axis invert. So the function of the Y axis on the camera control will be read from your profile
-Changed the village, temple and woodland maps to increase playablity
-Fixed holes in terrain on the Canyon and temple maps
-Added speed boost power up for the nilbog character
-Added the option to automaticaly cycle the maps when a match is complete
-Changed the method of terrain generation to increase performance
-Increased the damage bastlurs do slightly
-Increased the number of power up spawns
-Fixed some graphical glitches in the Mine map
-Fix some typographical errors and text alignments
-Added Dpad support for menu options.
-With this update we now have the ability to allow matches to run continuously allowing people to find at least a couple matches on going.

Sounds like quite a bit has changed and should be worth a look. I won't be able to review the new version this week due to finals being next week, but I hope to look into the update as well as a couple of other games that have been suggested to me next week. If any community game developer would like to share some information with me about upcoming games or updates I will gladly post them here. I can be contacted at [e-mail].

Game Marketplace - A weekly look at the arcade games, demos, and add-ons released this week.

Arcade Games

NCAA® Basketball MME (1,200MP)
It appears as though there is no demo for this arcade game, so instead I'll just have to post the description given.

EA SPORTS™ presents NCAA Basketball 09: March Madness Edition, your chance to play through the NCAA Tournament Bracket. Play with any of the 64 tournament teams and fight your way through each round, all the way to the Final Four. Featuring the exciting gameplay from NCAA Basketball 09, play to your team's ideal tempo and style of play to take your team to the title.


The graphics are a clear positive in the game.

It basically seems like you're playing through one mode of a much larger game. Granted, the mode gives you sixty four teams, constantly updated rosters, and one of the biggest tournaments in sports. It is a little pricy, and to me it seems like if you're going to spend that much for a NCAA game, you probably already own the main game. Still, this looks to be a great way for new fans to get into the series.
Recommendation: Only if you do not already own a basketball game.

Crystal Defenders (800MP)
Taking place after the events of Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift, Crystal Defenders is an extremely fun tower defense game that is an enhanced remake of a series of popular mobile phone games. Featuring characters and enemies from the Final Fantasy Tactics series, Defenders also gives players over 300 levels that are spread over 3 varying levels of difficulty and complexity. The gameplay is fluid and easy to understand as you strategically play your units on a map and attempt to defeat the waves of enemies that are trying to steal a cache of crystals. There are six different jobs to choose from (warrior, time mage, thief, white monk, ranger, and black mage) and you spend your time leveling up each character as each wave of enemies are different stats and abilities (some are faster while some receive no damage from physical attacks - typical RPG stuff). Graphically, the game is very reminiscent to the Super Nintendo RPG's (particulary Final Fantasy games) of the time, and the same can also be said about the audio of the game. As stated earlier, the game is spilt up into three separate "game versions," with each one adding a new element of gameplay. Honestly, this is a great arcade release and should be picked up by any fan of the genre.
Recommendation: Buy.

Peggle (800MP)
Named as one of the most addictive PC games of all time, Peggle has you bouncing balls off pegs and other obstacles with the goal being to rid the screen of orange pegs. The game also features blue pegs which do nothing but increase score, purple pegs which give you fifty times the score, and green which give you magical powers. At the bottom fo the screen there's a "free ball bucket," which, as you would imagine, gives you a free ball. To me, Peggle is basically Plinko on crack and apparently this game is just as addiciting as crack. While the standalone game is fun in itself, there is also multiplayer (local and co-op) as well as future DLC planned. Featuring 55 levels and 75 "Grand Master Challenges," Peggle should give you plenty of Cracked Plinko to entertain you for at least 800MP. Great week so far for the arcade games.
Recommendation: Buy.

Community Games

ZenHak (400MP)
ZenHak is a game made up of two mini-games, one a conversation mini-game and another is a hacking mini-game. The problem is this is one of those games with a lot of text and is pretty much impossible to read on a small TV. Hopefully this won't be a problem much longer as I should be moving soon, but until then, I can't honestly review this game. It does, however, seem to be ambitious (in a good way) and could be interesting. As it is though, it is just hard to figure out what to do.


Just like any good RPG, there is plenty to read in ZenHak.

Recommendation: N/A

Philip Muwanga's Hexy Trench (200MP)
Hexy Trench takes place on a hexagonal grid (shocking, eh?) and has players combating against one another (up to four local and online) in an attempt to form a trench system. The game is strategy-based and forces you to come up with ways to build a succesful trench system as each tile you are given is randomly picked and you are going against other players who are trying to do the same thing. This of course leads to battle, which require you to use up your supplies, typical of the genre. I can't say much more than that, however, as the time limit on the trial expired before I was able to finish the tutorial. But, from what I saw, it looked like a decent game once you got into it, though the learning curve could be rather steep for some players. Overall, however, the game is cheap and the gameplay is in-depth, so this is a thumbs up from me.
Recommendation: Buy.

No Frills Cross Sums (200MP)
Cross Sums, is, apparently, a logic-based number placement game. Or, in other words, the game is Sudoku with the addition of math (heh, get it - addition). The game is very challenging as you must find the numbers that add up to the numbers on the edge of the board. For example, if the numbers on the edge of the board were four, you would have to find a series of numbers that added up to four and place them in the squares between the two edges. While Cross Sums is a new puzzle game to me, I just don't find it very entertaining to play on a multi-hundred-dollar video game console. I think that is the problem I have with console games like these - I feel like I'm doing it all wrong. Still, Cross Sums is a good, but challenging game for the puzzle fans out there, though you won't find me telling my friends about it.
Recommendation: As long as your XBox was free.

Slam (800MP)
Slam is a trippy game that combines elements of Breakout, Tempest, and Pinball. You find yourself on a circular 3D arena and attempt to destroy the shapes and designs in the middle of it, all the while the screen around you is constantly revolving and changing - creating an interesting viewing experience. The game also features fourteen powerups that range from multi-balls to magnet balls, but mostly just makes things absolutely crazy - and in a positive way. One of my favorite powerups is the one in which you are given three paddles to hit the ball. Like most games of the genre, there are plenty of levels in Slam to keep you coming back for more (one hundred total).


Slam sometimes looks like a bad acid trip. Not that I would know what that's like or anything.

The game, as I said earlier, is quite the visual experience. I should warn people that if you get dizzy easily that, well, you will get dizzy during this game. Due to the constant moving environment, trippy visuals, and overall chaos and confusion that sometimes litter the screen, you may find yourself feeling sick or in a constant state of movement after watching the game for too long. Still, Slam is a fun game despite its steep price tag. I am going to recommend this but do so with the caution of a high price tag.
Recommendation:

Game Demos

Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty: World at War Experience the intensity and brutality of war like never before. Unleash the power of the flamethrower, flame tanks, and other lethal weaponry while battling through the most harrowing campaigns in the Pacific and Europe. For the first time ever in Call of Duty, play Co-Op with up to 4 players on Xbox LIVE. In Multiplayer, compete on Xbox LIVE to complete challenges, gain experience, level up, and unlock perks to take out your opponents.

Game Add-Ons

Lips
"The Scientist" by Coldplay (180MP)
"Speed of Sound" by Coldplay (180MP)
"The Great Escape" by Boys Like Girls (180MP)

Guitar Hero: World Tour
"Auidence of One" by Rise Against (160MP)
"Ready to Fall" by Rise Against (160MP)
"Death Blossoms" by Rise Against (160MP)
Rise Against Track Pack (440MP)

Avatar
Western Wear Clothes (Free)

Burnout Paradise
Boost Specials Collection (640MP)
Hawker Mech (400MP)
Carson Extreme Hot Rod (400MP)

Skate 2 - Throwback Pack (Free)
Unlock the retro gear and celebrate the past with some short shorts, knee high socks, tie dyed shirts and crazy sunglasses. While you're at it, play some air guitar and throw out the peace signs with our classic gestures.

Sonic Unleashed - Chun-nan Adventure Pack (250MP)
Download an all-new Chun-nan adventure! Play four daytime & two nighttime stages from a mountainous region best known for its dragon roads and majestic peaks. This pack includes four brand new stages and two new missions. Note: These stages are accessed in Chun-nan, so unlocking Chun-nan is a requirement to play these additional stages.

LIVE Activity for week of March 2nd
Xbox 360 Top Live Titles
1 Halo 3
2 Call of Duty: WaW
3 Call of Duty 4
4 Gears of War 2
5 GTA IV
6 Halo Wars
7 Left 4 Dead
8 Halo Wars demo
9 FIFA 09
10 STREET FIGHTER IV

Top Arcade Titles
1 Watchmen: The End is Nigh
2 Castle Crashers
3 3 on 3 NHL Arcade
4 Worms
5 UNO
6 Braid
7 Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
8 Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
9 A Kingdom for Keflings
10 Marble Blast Ultra

Original Xbox Top Live Titles
1 Halo 2
2 Star Wars: Battlfrnt 2
3 Counter-Strike
4 Fable
5 Splinter Cell Chaos
6 Conker: Live Reloaded
7 Doom 3
8 Burnout 3
9 Call of Duty 3
10 Star Wars: Battlefront

Top Community Games
1 RC-AirSim
2 Aquarium HD
3 DrumKit
4 TV Calibration
5 Rumble Massage
6 ZP2K9
7 Bowling X
8 Miner Dig Deep
9 Remote Masseuse
10 bricks4ever

Video Marketplace

Man About Town (360MP, 240MP)
Successful, hardworking and unscrupulous, Jack (Affleck) is a Hollywood agent at the top of his game and completely out of kilter with his personal life. So he takes a self-help class and, when word gets out, becomes the focus of the gossip columns. Word travels fast...and so do the laughs.

Soul Men (480MP, 320MP)
Superstars Samuel L. Jackson and Bernie Mac are "Soul Men" - the hilarious story of Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac), a popular singing duo back in the day, who went their separate ways and never spoke again. When the death of their former group leader (John Legend) reunites them and sends them driving cross country for a tribute concert at the legendary Apollo Theatre, they will have only five days to bury the hatchet on a twenty-year-old grudge.

What Just Happened (NA, 320MP)
What Just Happened is a winningly sharp comedy about two nail-biting, back-stabbing, roller-coaster weeks in the world of a middle-aged Hollywood producer. Starring Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis, Stanley Tucci, John Turturro, Kristen Stewart, and Lily Rabe.

Cold Prey (NA, 320MP)
Five teenage snowboarders are forced to spend the night in a mysteriously abandoned ski lodge. Except somebody – or something – already lives there. It is huge, savage and unstoppable…and now it's pissed off. But if you think this is going to be the usual ‘trapped teens stalked by a maniac' movie, you're dead wrong: from the first chilling kill to the final horrific twist, prepare yourself for the smart, intense and award-winning European sensation that has terrified audiences around the world and put the edge back into the body-count genre.

Howard the Duck (360MP, 240MP)
George Lucas presents Howard the Duck - the comedy adventure about a fast-talking, cigar-chomping, beer-loving duck from a parallel universe who somehow winds up in Cleveland! The incredible fantasy has Howard the object of everybody's desire, in love with a rock singer (Lea Thompson), and doing battle with the evil Dark Overlord as he attempts to return to his own planet. One of the most talked-about movies of all time, the wacky, elaborately produced spoof of life, love, comic books and horror movies is a hidden treasure the whole family can enjoy.

Two for the Money (360MP, 240MP)
Academy Award® winner Al Pacino and Matthew McConaughey star in this adrenaline-charged thriller about the sexy, high-stakes world of sports betting, where fortunes can be made and lost with a flip of a coin. When Brandon Lang (McConaughey) becomes the protege of sports gambling's power player, Walter Abrams (Pacino), he swiftly becomes the golden boy of the high-rolling world for consistently picking football winners. Now, with millions on the line, he finds himself in a deadly game of con-versus-con with his new mentor. Also starring Renee Russo and Jeremy Piven (TV's Entourage), Two For The Money sizzles with intense, non-stop thrills!

Undercover Brother (360MP, 240MP)
Strap yourself in for "Great fun!" (Newsday) in the outrageously hilarious, wildly over-the-top comedy spectacular The Washington Post applauds as "A very funny spoof!" He's badder than Bond. He's cooler than any international man of... secrets. He's Undercover Brother, a globe-trotting disco-dude of intrigue with more cool spy gadgets up his sleeve than you can shake a rocket-launching cigar at. Now, this Kung-Fu-fighting, Caddy-convertible-driving super-secret agent is swinging into action against a deliciously twisted plot to brainwash all of humanity! Rocking to a solid-gold '70s soundtrack, Undercover Brother is the funk-fueled comedy free-for-all Newsday raves is "Infectiously funny!"

Milk (480MP, 320MP)
His life changed history. His courage changed lives. Academy Award® - winner Sean Penn stars in this stirring celebration of Harvey Milk, a true man of the people. Based on the inspiring true story of the first openly gay man elected to major public office, this compelling film follows Milk's powerful journey to inspire hope for equal rights during one of the least tolerant times in our nation's history. With a stunning all-star, cast including Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, Diego Luna and James Franco, it's the emotionally charged story that was proclaimed the Winner of The New York Film Critics Circle Best Picture Award!

Fist of the Warrior (360MP, 240MP)
First-class assassin, Lee Choe, has spent years working for the mob. When his handler turns on him and kills his girlfriend, Lee stops at nothing to seek revenge. When his handler then seeks out a corrupt cop to frame Lee; Lee does not surrender. Instead, he fights back with more vengeance and violently punishes those who played a part in the murder of his innocent love.

Manufacturing Dissent (NA, 240MP)
In the realm of documentary filmmaking there is no greater icon than Michael Moore, but are his films really the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? At what point does the manipulation of "fact" become a work of fiction? See for yourself when the lens is turned on the most controversial director of our time. Discover the film that Michael Moore doesn't want you to see: MANUFACTURING DISSENT.

Extreme Movie (480MP, 320MP)
Exterme Movie is a hilariously irreverent teen sex comedy made up of a series of off-the-wall sketches. Its narrative thru line follows fifteen-year-old Mike as he struggles to muster the courage to ask out his high school crush...despite the influence of his sex-crazed friends. This coming-of-age film explores the hilarious results of the clash between adolescent innocece and the sexual pressures of burgeoning maturity set against the awkward backdrop of high school.

Soccer Mom (NA, 320MP)
When Becca's (EMILY OSMENT) losing soccer team needs a new coach, Wendy (MISSI PYLE) decides to masquerade as the famous Italian soccer star ‘Lorenzo Vincenzo' and take the job. Can she now lead Becca's team to the regional finals before her increasingly crazy double life comes totally unglued? Kids and parents alike will love this heartwarming family comedy about mothers, daughters and the unexpected goals that bring them together.

Events

Monday: Arcade Afternoon - Creepy Crawlies

Monday: Music Monday - Lips

Tuesday: Family Game Night - NCAA Basketball: March Madness Edition

Wednesday: GamerchiX Ladies Night - Call of Duty: World at War

Thursday: Co-Op Night - Left 4 Dead

Friday: Co-Op Night - Call of Duty: World at War

Weekend: Community Playdate - Video Game Jocks (Call of Duty: World at War)

Weekend: XBox All-Nighter - Guitar Hero: World Tour

Top Ten Xbox-Live Arcade Games Everyone Should Own
I love playing the random, quirky, and classic games that Xbox Live has to offer. Obviously, like everyone else, I have my own quirks about me that form the types of videogames I like. So, each week, I will be revealing a new game to my list of XBLA games that everyone should own. Or, at the very least, try out. These are in no particular order, by the way.

Week 9: Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? (1200MP)
I know what most of you are thinking, and, no, I am not joking. 5th Grader is actually a very fun trivia game to play with a group of friends when you feel like playing video games but not actually playing a real video game. Don't even act like that doesn't happen to you because that happens with my friends and I all the time - enter Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader.


Featuring the most realistic 3D Jeff Foxworthy EVER

For those of you lucky bastards unaware of the show, Jeff Foxworthy pretends to be highly intelligent by making others feel quite the opposite. It's the ultimate role reversal. All of the questions are from grade-school curriculum and throughout the show contestants are allowed to use three cheats - all of which depend on the student helpers you can pick (each one having two subjects they excel at). The cheats are Copy, in which you simply use the answer your classmate chose, Peek, where you can see what they wrote, and Save, which only comes into effect if you get a question wrong - the helper can save you if they get the answer right.

Like most game shows, you are trying to win $1,000,000. There is only one "landmark" price you get, which is $25,000. But, since it is all virtual, none of the money really matters anyways. The game itself features over 6,000 questions and 21 subjects, ranging from physical science to art to music to physical education. You can use those controllers from other trivia games (the ones shaped like a penis), or you can just use the regular controller and press the corresponding button for the answer. Overall, the game is pretty simple and plays just like the real show.


10 of the 21 Subjects

Graphically, this game is far better than it has ANY right to be. Honestly, when I first saw this game I was surprised. Well, I was mostly surprised because I actually waited for the demo to download. Granted, at some angles it looks like Foxworthy may have down syndrome, but for the most party everything is well detailed, down to the goldfish swimming on the desk that sits infront of the chalk board. The audio is a bit mundane and you better hope to God you don't mind the theme song - because you will hear it after every question. I haven't watched the show enough to know if they actually do that on the real show, but it seems doubtful. It does upset me to know that I know almost every word of the "...5th Grader" theme song. When you are answering a question, however, the audio takes a far more serious tone akin to most television game shows.

The game also features support for multiplayer (local and online) that can be played with multiple controllers or just a single controller. This is more fun than it sounds as you will sometimes try to convince somebody to pick the wrong answer just so you can have them say, "I Am Not Smarter Than a Fifth Grader." It may be 1200MP, but you will learn some stuff, make your friends feel dumb, and be allowed to cuss out annoying little kids that constantly say "Pick me, Pick me!" and do so all in one package.

Closing
That closes the lucky 13th edition of Living LIVE. Hope everyone has a good week and I'll see you again on Monday.

Screenshots
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